VANCOUVER, B.C. - A transcript of Shane Koyczan's poem, "We Are More," as delivered during the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Olympic Games:
1."Define Canada
You might say the home of the Rocket
Or The Great One
Who inspired little No. 9s and little No. 99s
2. But we're more than just hockey and fishing lines
Off of the rocky coast of the Maritimes
3. And some say what defines us
Is something as simple as 'please' and 'thank you'
And as for 'you're welcome,' well, we say that, too
4. But we are more than genteel or civilized
5. We are an idea in the process of being realized
6. We are young, we are cultures strung together then woven into a tapestry
And the design is what makes us more than the sum totals of our history
7. We are an experiment going right for a change
With influences that range from A to Zed
And yes, we say 'Zed' instead of 'Zee'
8. We are the brightness of Chinatown and the laughter of Little Italy
9. We dream so big that there are those
Who would call our ambition an industry
Because we are vineyards of good year after good year
We reforest what we clear
10. Because we believe in generations beyond our own
Knowing now that so many of us
Have grown past what we used to be
We can stand here today
Filled with all the hope people have
When they say things like 'someday'
11.Because we are more
Than a laundry list of things to do and places to see
12. More than hills to ski
Or countryside ponds to skate
13. We are the abandoned hesitation of all those who can't wait
14. We are first-rate greasy spoon diners and healthy living cafes
15. A country that is all the ways you choose to live
A nation that can give you variety
Because we are choices
We are millions upon millions of voices
Shouting, keep exploring
We are more
16. We are the surprise the world has in store for you, it's true
Canada is the 'what' in 'what's new'
17. So don't let your luggage define your travels
Each life unravels differently
And experiences are what make up
The colours of our tapestry
18. We are the true North
Strong and free
19. And what's more
Is that we didn't just say it
We made it be"
“We Are More”
Shane Koyczan’s poem, “We Are More” describes Canada’s true self, benefits and beauty. This poem depicts that Canada is more than hockey, fishing lines, home of Maurice "Rocket" Richard and Wayne Gretzky. But our nation is as equally as important than any other country. “We are young, we are cultures strung together then woven into a tapestry…” is a metaphor that is implying that our diverse cultures are bonded together and peaceful. This poem emphasizes the value, enormity and significance of being a Canadian. This slam poem sounds better when spoken, because of the enthusiasm, emotion and expression. For example when he mentions, "...With influences that range from A to Zed, and yes, we say Zed instead of Zee" this statement sounds awkward when read. Shane Koyczan creates vivid imagery of Canada’s landscape and nature in this poem.
VANCOUVER, B.C. - A transcript of Shane Koyczan's poem, "We Are More," as delivered during the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Olympic Games:
1."Define Canada
You might say the home of the Rocket
Or The Great One
Who inspired little No. 9s and little No. 99s
2. But we're more than just hockey and fishing lines
Off of the rocky coast of the Maritimes
3. And some say what defines us
Is something as simple as 'please' and 'thank you'
And as for 'you're welcome,' well, we say that, too
4. But we are more than genteel or civilized
5. We are an idea in the process of being realized
6. We are young, we are cultures strung together then woven into a tapestry
And the design is what makes us more than the sum totals of our history
7. We are an experiment going right for a change
With influences that range from A to Zed
And yes, we say 'Zed' instead of 'Zee'
8. We are the brightness of Chinatown and the laughter of Little Italy
9. We dream so big that there are those
Who would call our ambition an industry
Because we are vineyards of good year after good year
We reforest what we clear
10. Because we believe in generations beyond our own
Knowing now that so many of us
Have grown past what we used to be
We can stand here today
Filled with all the hope people have
When they say things like 'someday'
11.Because we are more
Than a laundry list of things to do and places to see
12. More than hills to ski
Or countryside ponds to skate
13. We are the abandoned hesitation of all those who can't wait
14. We are first-rate greasy spoon diners and healthy living cafes
15. A country that is all the ways you choose to live
A nation that can give you variety
Because we are choices
We are millions upon millions of voices
Shouting, keep exploring
We are more
16. We are the surprise the world has in store for you, it's true
Canada is the 'what' in 'what's new'
17. So don't let your luggage define your travels
Each life unravels differently
And experiences are what make up
The colours of our tapestry
18. We are the true North
Strong and free
19. And what's more
Is that we didn't just say it
We made it be"
“We Are More”
Shane Koyczan’s poem, “We Are More” describes Canada’s true self, benefits and beauty. This poem depicts that Canada is more than hockey, fishing lines, home of Maurice "Rocket" Richard and Wayne Gretzky. But our nation is as equally as important than any other country. “We are young, we are cultures strung together then woven into a tapestry…” is a metaphor that is implying that our diverse cultures are bonded together and peaceful. This poem emphasizes the value, enormity and significance of being a Canadian. This slam poem sounds better when spoken, because of the enthusiasm, emotion and expression. For example when he mentions, "...With influences that range from A to Zed, and yes, we say Zed instead of Zee" this statement sounds awkward when read. Shane Koyczan creates vivid imagery of Canada’s landscape and nature in this poem.